Katie Stewart's campaign
≈21% SW Colorado
Solid majority of my opponent's dollars raised this cycle came from the Denver area, much of it from political committees and lobbyists.
Source: TRACER, STEWART, KATIE.
THE RECORDKnow the votes.
Campaign ads can show anything, even a cape. Votes are on the record. Here are 10 that shape what it costs to work, live and get care in Southwest Colorado.
A note from Naomi
Southwest Colorado is a place people choose. We pick up extra shifts, start businesses, raise families, care for aging parents and plan to retire near these mountains. Most of us aren't asking the state to shield us from every risk. We're asking it not to make the climb steeper.
A legislator's votes show whether they see it that way. Below are 10 votes Katie Stewart cast in 2025 and 2026, in plain language and linked to the official record. Next to each is how I'd approach it.
This isn't personal. My opponent and I see the role of state government differently, and you deserve to see that difference clearly. Read the record, check the sources and decide for yourself.
Naomi Riess
The votes
Work should pay, and you should keep the money you have earned.
Extra hours, a second job, a growing business: that's how families here get ahead.
Your extra hours, still taxed
HB25-1296 · 2025 Katie Voted YesKatie's Vote = Higher Taxes
Starting with 2026 taxes, Colorado adds qualifying overtime back into state taxable income, even though it is now deductible on federal returns. Colorado passed this before the federal deduction became law.
Naomi's approach
When people work extra hours, they should keep more of that paycheck. Qualifying overtime should be deductible on state taxes too.
Source: HB25-1296
The tools of work cost more, resulting in more taken from your paychecks
HB26-1223 · 2026Katie Voted YesKatie's Vote = Higher Taxes
From Jan. 1, 2027, Colorado charges state sales tax on most software: downloads, apps and cloud subscriptions.
Naomi's approach
Small businesses, remote workers and students all run on software. Keep it out of the sales tax and lower costs for everyone.
Source: HB26-1223 fiscal note
Local restaurants pay more
SB25-285 · 2025Katie Voted YesKatie's Vote = Higher Taxes
Raised annual inspection fees for restaurants and other retail food businesses, making the cost of a meal more and everyday life less affordable..
Naomi's approach
People deserve to eat out once in awhile. Food safety matters, and so do the margins of family-run places on Main Street. Fund inspections efficiently without new costs on the businesses many local jobs depend on.
Source: SB25-285
Care close to home
In a district this size, getting to care often means a long drive.
Medical rides: payment cut by two-thirds
HB26-1410 · 2026-27 budgetKatie Voted YesKatie's Vote = Less Healthcare
The 2026-27 state budget's Medicaid rate and service cuts totaled $270 million, according to House Democrats, including a medical-ride pickup payment that fell from $36.40 to $12.15. At least one Western Slope provider says the cuts are forcing it to scale back.
Naomi's approach
A missed ride becomes a missed appointment, and a missed appointment can become an ER visit. Root out fraud and mismanagement of funds in the program without cutting the rides rural patients rely on.
Fewer choices for expecting families
HB26-1092 · 2026Katie Voted NoKatie's Vote = Less Healthcare
Voted no in the House Health & Human Services Committee. It would have barred public hospitals from denying full staff privileges to certified nurse-midwives and certified midwives based on their license alone.
Naomi's approach
Families should be able to choose a qualified midwife and still deliver at their local hospital. Hospitals' concerns deserve a hearing; so do expecting families with few nearby options.
Source: HB26-1092
Higher Insurance Premiums
SB26-178 · 2026Katie Voted YesKatie's Vote = Less Affordability
Lowered the state reinsurance program's average premium-reduction target from 20% to 18% for people who buy their own coverage.
Naomi's approach
Self-employed workers, ranchers and early retirees buy their own insurance. Every point of relief counts for them.
Source: SB26-178
One more way to see a doctor
HB26-1096 · 2026Katie Voted NoKatie's Vote = Fewer Patient Choices
Voted no twice on letting Medicaid patients pay a direct primary care practice and keep their Medicaid coverage.
Naomi's approach
Patients on Medicaid should be able to choose the primary care that works for them, especially where clinics are few and far between.
Source: HB26-1096
Local communities know best
Each town in this district knows its own needs best.
Less local say on housing
HB26-1001 · 2026Katie Voted YesKatie's Vote = More Expensive Housing
Requires covered communities to approve qualifying housing from certain public and nonprofit owners through an administrative process.
Naomi's approach
Southwest Colorado needs more attainably priced housing and a diversity of housing types, built the way each community chooses. Local officials answer to local voters.
Source: HB26-1001
State restrictions on local zoning
HB25-1093 · 2025Katie Voted YesKatie's Vote = More Expensive Housing
Limits certain local decisions that make housing more affordable and accessible.
Naomi's approach
Growth decisions belong with the people who live with the results. Regulations cause unintended consequences and impact on adjacent owners.
Source: HB25-1093
Even the governor said no
Two of these votes went further than Colorado's Democratic governor would go.
A worker vote, removed
HB26-1005 · 2026Katie Voted YesKatie's Vote = More Union Power
Would have removed the second election workers hold before a union can negotiate a contract requiring every employee to pay fees. Gov. Polis vetoed it, as he vetoed the same policy in 2025.
Naomi's approach
Workers deserve a direct say before fees come out of every paycheck. Any change should come from a real agreement between workers and employers.
Source: Veto coverage
A new fee on game purchases
HB26-1418 · 2026Katie Voted YesKatie's Vote = Higher Taxes
Would have added a 5% fee on qualifying in-game purchases to fund youth services. Gov. Polis vetoed it, so the fee never took effect.
Naomi's approach
Fund youth services through the budget, not a new fee on what families buy.
Source: HB26-1418
Where the money comes from
Campaign money is public record. Every contribution to both campaigns is on file with the Colorado Secretary of State's TRACER system, searchable by anyone.
Naomi Riess's campaign
≈79% SW Colorado
The vast majority of funds raised for my campaign came from individual donors in Southwest Colorado ... the people I'm asking to represent.
Source: TRACER, Riess for Colorado.
The opponent says she looks out for Southwest Colorado. Does she really look out for us, or does she follow the money?
Where Naomi stands
Five priorities for HD59
Strong Rural Economy & Local Control
Local voices, local businesses, and local solutions are the foundation of Southwest Colorado's future.
Sensible Affordability & Opportunity
Lower costs and more opportunities help families stay, work, and build a future here.
Safe Communities & Public Accountability
Public safety starts with accountability, responsibility, and respect for our communities.
Secure Energy, Water & Resources
Reliable energy, protected water, and responsible stewardship keep Southwest Colorado strong.
Strong Families & Healthy Communities
When families succeed, our communities succeed.
Build a future here.
Hard work should pay. Care and jobs should be close to home. Communities should make their own choices. That's the difference on your ballot.
Ballots go out by mail in mid-October. Return yours by 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
About this page
These are selected votes from the 2025 and 2026 legislative sessions, not a complete record. Each summary comes from official bill text, fiscal notes and roll calls at leg.colorado.gov, linked on every card. Where a vote has another side, we've said so. See an error? Contact the campaign and we'll correct it.
Paid for by Riess for Colorado.